Dhaka has for decades pressed Islamabad for three key steps: a formal apology for the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military during the 1971 war, repayment of an estimated USD 4.5 billion owed to Bangladesh since independence, and the repatriation of thousands of Pakistanis stranded in the country.
In the quiet classrooms of Pakistani universities, thousands of Afghan students – many in the last stretch of their advanced degrees – are living with an unrelenting countdown. On 31 August 2025, Pakistan’s government has ordered that all Afghan nationals must leave the country or face arrest and deportation.
Of Islamabad's approximately 41,520 registered Afghan citizens, many retain memories of earlier refuge. Before 2006, some 25,000 had lived in a refugee camp within the Islamabad Capital Territory.
For Pakistan, the challenge now is twofold: to address the immediate humanitarian needs of thousands of displaced people, and to commit to the long-term infrastructure, environmental and policy changes needed to withstand the storms of a warming world.
Terming forced religious conversion and forced marriage of Christian and Hindu minor girls to older Muslim men as the most concerning issue, the report notes that there are few legal options available to the victims.
While the removal of the death penalty for two relatively obscure crimes was welcomed by international rights groups, many activists argue the government’s action is insufficient.
Pakistan has sentenced 108 members of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party to prison over their alleged involvement in protests against the military in May 2023.
For Asia’s rice bowl, the coming months will be critical. Farmers, traders, and policymakers must prepare for a potentially volatile period that could test food security across the region.
Analysts suggest a balanced outcome might involve India strengthening its own forced labour import monitoring mechanisms while securing phased tariff reductions and dispute resolution clauses that provide greater predictability for Indian exporters.
As the June 12 deadline approaches, the ministry will likely receive a wide array of ideas. The challenge will be synthesizing them into a coherent, actionable medium- to long-term strategy that delivers the 20 per cent target without compromising growth or equity.
For Asia’s rice bowl, the coming months will be critical. Farmers, traders, and policymakers must prepare for a potentially volatile period that could test food security across the region.
Analysts suggest a balanced outcome might involve India strengthening its own forced labour import monitoring mechanisms while securing phased tariff reductions and dispute resolution clauses that provide greater predictability for Indian exporters.
The Kalinga Art Gallery in Bhubaneswar burst into a vibrant celebration of colour, courage, and creativity as Unmukt Foundation hosted its annual Art Exhibition 2025, themed “Freedom – From the Lens of a Child.”
Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE), a key driver of domestic demand, is projected to grow by 7.3 per cent in 2024-25, a sharp increase from the 4.0 per cent growth recorded in 2023-24.